Rioja DOCa

Ukan Rioja DOCa 75 cl

Ukan Rioja DOCa from Ukan Winery is a single-varietal Tempranillo from old vines in Laguardia, in the heart of Rioja Alavesa. The wine is produced from three selected Tempranillo vineyards with old bush vines, which are vinified separately and then blended into a precise, structured cuvée. The 2021 vintage combines ripe fruit, freshness, fine spice and a clear tannin structure. The grapes are harvested by hand, subjected to a double selection and, following a short cold maceration, fermented in open oak vats. The wine then matures for 16 months in small French barriques. In the glass, it shows a deep ruby-red colour. On the nose, aromas of ripe cherries, forest berries, damson preserve and fine spice notes unfold. On the palate, it is structured, composed and multi-layered, with cherry fruit, compote and toasted aromas, well-integrated barrique influence, present tannins and a long finish.

Producer: Ukan Winery

Ukan Winery is located in Laguardia in Rioja Alavesa and is a project of the youngest generation of the Eguren family. Koldo Eguren, the fifth generation of the family, runs the winery together with his cousin Eduardo, who serves as winemaker. The project combines the knowledge of previous generations with a younger, internationally influenced perspective on Rioja. Ukan is a small winery focused on limited quantities and precise vineyard work. Its foundation lies in the vineyards of Rioja Alavesa, which are farmed sustainably and organically. In the winery in Laguardia, the wines are made by hand with restrained intervention. The aim is to reflect the landscape of Rioja Alavesa through Tempranillo, selected sites and clear, precise vinification.

Ukan Rioja DOCa 2021 in Detail

Aromas & Character (Bouquet & Palate)

Colour: Deep ruby red.

Aroma: Ripe cherries, forest berries, damson preserve and fine spice notes.

Character: Structured and persistent, with cherry fruit, compote and toasted aromas, well-integrated barrique influence and a composed balance between fruit, tannins and freshness.

Food Pairing & Occasions

Pairs well with: Red meat, game dishes and matured cheese.

Ideal for: Beef, lamb, game, braised dishes, powerful meat dishes, matured cheese and relaxed meals with a structured Tempranillo from Rioja Alavesa.

Packaging & Presentation

Ukan Rioja DOCa is offered in an original wooden case of 6 bottles. The wooden case enhances the refined presentation and is also suitable for storing several bottles.

Further Recommendations & Categories

Ukan Rioja DOCa is available in the following bottle sizes:

• Ukan Rioja DOCa 75 cl
• Ukan Rioja DOCa 150 cl

FAQ

What stylistically defines Ukan?
Ukan is a single-varietal Tempranillo from old vines in Laguardia. The three selected vineyards are vinified separately and later blended into a structured cuvée. The wine combines ripe cherry fruit, forest berries, fine spice notes, toasted aromas, present tannins and a long finish. It reflects the concentrated, precise style of Rioja Alavesa.

How is Ukan vinified?
The grapes are harvested by hand and subjected to a double selection. Following a short cold maceration, the wine ferments in open oak vats. It then matures for 16 months in small French barriques.

What role does Tempranillo play in Ukan?
Tempranillo forms 100% of the basis of this wine. The grape variety contributes red and dark fruit, tannin structure, spice and the typical character of Rioja Alavesa. From old vines in Laguardia, it shows particular concentration while remaining fresh and precise.

At what temperature should Ukan be served?
16-18°C is ideal, allowing the cherry fruit, forest berries, damson preserve, spice notes, toasted aromas and tannins to show in balanced expression.

What drinking phase is Ukan 2021 currently in?
Ukan 2021 is currently showing a structured phase with further development potential. Fruit, tannins, spice notes and barrique influence are beginning to integrate well, while the freshness gives the wine tension and length. It can already be enjoyed now; brief decanting will support its aromatic development. With an ageing potential of up to 15 years, it still has further maturation potential if stored well.

What does Ukan pair best with?
Ukan pairs well with red meat, game dishes and matured cheese. It is also well suited to lamb, beef, braised dishes and powerful meat dishes.

What characterises Rioja Alavesa for Tempranillo?
Rioja Alavesa is characterised by high-altitude sites, calcareous soils and marked temperature differences between day and night. These conditions support Tempranillo with freshness, aromatic precision, tannin structure and good balance.

What is the significance of ageing in French barriques?
The 16 months of ageing in small French barriques support the wine’s structure, texture and spice. The barrique influence complements the fruit and tannins with fine toasted aromas and contributes to Ukan’s ageing potential.

Discover Ukan Rioja DOCa

Ukan Rioja DOCa from Ukan Winery combines 100% Tempranillo from old vines in Laguardia with ripe cherry fruit, forest berries, damson preserve, fine spice notes, toasted aromas and 16 months of ageing in French barriques. A structured Rioja from Rioja Alavesa in an original wooden case of 6 bottles, pairing well with red meat, game dishes and matured cheese.